| Lady’s Night Out | Neuhoff Media Elite Bridal Lady Palooza |

| Sarah Jane Photography | Decatur Shopping Event | 

Hey Ladies!

I hope you made it to Neuhoff Media / Elite Bridal’s Lady Palooza night last night at the Mt. Zion Convention Center. It was a fabulous night with some amazing vendors (seriously, every cute thing you’ve ever wanted to own was there!).

I was across from a “Tom Boy Tools” – PINK tools girls, super cute! One of my favorite little girls, Haylei, was there rocking her booth with her momma selling the cutest bows, magnets, suckers, lotion and MORE (cute photo clips I had to buy!!). Purses, jewelry, salons, massages, even pizza!

I had over 50 ladies stop by the booth, register to win one of three amazing prizes and had the chance to chat with many of them as we booked and begin planning their SJP Portrait Experience! Those who didn’t win our grand prizes will still be receiving a little email gift (everyone’s a winner at SJP!).

Check out some images from my booth and all the awesome client products we were showing off.

| 6-Month Portraits | Decatur Children’s Portraits |

| Cole | Sarah Jane Photography | 6 Month Portraits |

How can you have a bad day staring at this face?!?! Cole is growing like a weed and I think you’d be hard pressed to meet a happier baby. We had about a total of 2 tears during this session, not even enough to get a crying shot (I’m gonna have to start making scary faces to get those).

I believe he’s decided that sitting is way over-rated and he’s skipping straight to crawling. I know when I see him again for his first birthday he’s going to be running all over the place! Check out a few of our favorites from the session here and be sure to stop by our facebook page to see more (and don’t forget to toss them a few likes so they can earn more facebook images)!

Teaching Photography. OCF. Decatur Camera Club… And other Friday Stuff.

| Sarah Jane Photography | Balancing Live, Love, and Photography Career | Decatur IL |

In the spirit of full disclosure, this blog post is stemming from a bit of Friday afternoon un-productivity. In the past 45 minutes I have bounced between what feels like 100 different things including a bit of bookkeeping, facebooking, unpacking orders from the lab, designing an album page, sending an album to the printers, uploading part of an order to the lab, pulling orders to send to the retoucher and setting up for a premier…. uh, holy A.D.D up in here!

So, why not add ‘blogging’ to the crazy list of half done ‘to do’ list items for the afternoon right? Right! Welcome aboard (I promise this IS going somewhere… I don’t promise that it is anywhere important.)

  

Ok, back on track…. obviously most of you know I love my job and am passionate about photography and creating art for YOU. But, have you ever thought what a photographer does for FUN when their hobby/love/passion becomes their career? (Me too!) Well, 2 years ago when photography became my full time career it consumed my life. Starting the career in a new city from the ground up meant no guarantees, no past clients and for a long time no sleep! I was racing to make a name, get clients, create great work for current clients and didn’t take much time for anything else.

That pace isn’t a long-term sustainable option (especially with a hubby) so over the past year things like (semi) normal ‘work-hours’ were introduced into our home. In my down time away from my business I’ve discovered a fun ‘hobby’ and new passion… teaching. It’s no secret I LOVE photography and am passionate about making it a career and encouraging of anyone who wants to turn that dream into a career. But there are millions of photographers who try/fail to do so (sad).

 

Alongside the photographers trying to make a sustainable living in portraiture there are also many who just love the field as a hobby (and that’s AWESOME too!). But where can they learn all the finite details of creating create portrait art? Lighting, posing, natural light, flash, etc? No everyone wants/needs or has access to a college degree in photography so they attend seminars, listen to speakers and receive online education.

And I’m super excited to be a part of that. In the past year I’ve been able to speak to professionals at FotoChoas and the Greater Kansas City Area Professional Photographers of America event. And just last night I was able to speak for the second time for the Decatur Camera Club whom I’ve spoken for once before and even had the honor of judging their annual print competition.

 

Last night I was able to share my knowledge and passion about off camera location lighting and even had time to do a live shoot demo! It was a blast and so exciting to share my knowledge of the subject with a room full of fellow photographers.

I hope to have continuing opportunities to help others grow their passion whether it be hobby/business by speaking at more events, continuing to offer one-on-one in-depth courses and through my blog (and recently started book!!).

Anyways, hope you enjoyed this Friday, kinda-lengthy, rambly, casual blog post. Haha, I’m now going to run off and start a few more items on my to do list.

Happy Weekend!

Jenn + Scott = Engaged / Decatur, IL Photographer

Meet my best friend in the whole world, the beautiful Miss Jennifer Greer and her fiance Scott Murray. You may remember the single image I posted of these two a while back… but as we gear up for her wedding in less than 2 weeks, I thought it was time to post a few more.

Posted in Sarah Jane PhotographyTagged Boudoir divas, boudoir photographer, Boudoir Photography, Boudoir Session, boudoir studio, Canon Camera, Canon Lenses, Central Illinois Photographer, Champaign Photographer, Chicago Photographer, Chicago Weddings, Contemporary, Contemporary Photography, Decatur Photographer, Decatur Seniors, Decatur Weddings, edgy portraits, engagement photography, engagement photos, European style, European Wedding Style, family photographer, France, High End, High End Portraits, High End Wedding, high end wedding photography, IL Photographer, Illinois Photographer, Illinois Portrait Studio, Illinois Seniors, Illinois Studio, Illinois Weddings, Italy, joplin missouri, Lingerie Session, Location Lighting, location photography, on location sessions, outdoor engagement photos, outdoor senior portraits, Outdoor wedding photography, Paris., photography, photography degree, Photography Major, Portrait Studio, portraits, PPA, PPA Photographer, Professional Boudoir Photographer, Professional Photographer, Rome, sarah jane, Sarah Jane Photography, senior photographer, Senior Portraits, sjane, sjanephotography, Springfield, Springfield Wedding Photography, studio, Studio Lighting, Studio Photography, UCM Photography Program, University Of Central Missouri., warrensburg, Wedding Albums, wedding photographyLeave a comment

Pageant Photography – Decatur IL

The Adorable Miss Haylei

I am always looking for fun new ways to meet new clients so when Candy approached me about sponsoring her beautiful daughter Haylei I was excited for the new experience! Having not been a pageant girl myself I was intrigued and interested to learn all I could! Candy, Haylei and I met before the session so they could introduce me to the world of pageants and show me Haylei’s current portfolio.

A few weeks later, we had Haylei’s session. It was a beautiful day and we took advantage of the nice weather by starting the session downtown, then taking a quick trip to the wildflower field and then ending up back at the studio!

I may not know much about pageants, but this little cutie has my vote! She was so fun to photograph and get to know and her personality is just so so sweet! She was so much fun to work with and I can’t wait until she gets to show off these new images at her next pageant!

Last, but not least, I want to send out a big thanks to Hannah Shaw of La Petite Salon who donated her hair and makeup services to Haylei as well.

Here are some of my favorite images of Haylei (It was so hard to choose!!)

Two more feature images – Sarah Jane Photography PLUS May Give Away! FREE STUFF

Happy Monday World. I contemplated touching on a couple of the big events of the world which I spent the morning watching on The Today Show…. BUT then I snapped back to reality and remembered this is NOT a news blog! Ya’ll know what’s going on (and if not go read a news blog) and I’m going to stick to what I know…. PHOTOGRAPHY!

So here are the feature images we have missed ‘featuring’ on the blog!

One of my favorites from Hunter’s location session! Hunter upgraded her model session to our Rock Star Session so we were able to hit about 5 different locations and include a TON of outfits! The result = a lot of awesome images I cannot wait to show off!And check out the beautiful Miss Erynn! This girl makes modeling look EASY! I should tell you that in this image she is in shorts and short sleeves and it is COLD… but you can’t tell that by that flawless expression on her face! Great job girl. 🙂

I am also excited to welcome Jessica & Brittney, from Mt. Zion, & TJ, from Warrensburg, to the SJP 2012 senior line up! Brittney & Jessica have their sessions scheduled next week and I will see TJ later in May! Remember, in May the Art Session is still 65% OFF and you can save over $80! Book NOW.

PLUS MAY GIVE AWAY

So easy to WIN FREE STUFF:
1. Visit the Facebook page: CLICK HERE
2. Find the May Give Away comment feed
3. Post your comment
4. WIN (winner drawn May 5 so hurry)

PRIZE: A FREE Gift Print (Any Size/Style). Valid on new sessions!

Feature Image – Sarah Jane Photography Decatur Il

It’s Alesia’s turn again! Check out another of her studio images today!

Today, I also decided to add a bonus feature image of my cousin’s baby girl, Ava! We decided to do a little mini session this last weekend when I was home to visit family and this is one of my favorite images. Once we got her sleeping we were able to get some great images. Had to use a few tricks including the vacuum cleaner!!!!

LATE Feature Image: Model Erynn

Whew… today ran away from me and I am VERY late getting Miss Erynn’s feature image up. First, it took me nearly a half an hour to choose this as the ONE image to feature first from her awesome location session. It was a tough choice and I cannot wait to share more through the next months.

I love the back alleys of downtown Decatur, and the location is so convenient and there is a ton of variety. Plus, for those of my girls who want a little professional primping done before the session at my favorite local salon, La Petite, starting the session right downtown is so great (as it will be for Hunter tomorrow!).

Can’t wait to post more. These girls are doing so awesome!

Peek Behind the Lens – Easter with the Family!

I spent the weekend in Missouri visiting family and actually got to see a LOT of family I haven’t seen in a while. With some wild (and dangerous) weather over Christmas most of my family was unable to make it to my grandmas for our usual Christmas festivities so this was a long time coming. PLUS, I got to meet our newest family member, perfect little Ava Rose, my cousin’s newborn baby girl. This makes for our sixth granddaughter! Yes I said grandDAUGHTER! We haven’t had a boy added to our family in over 50 years. 🙂

Here is just one quick image from the weekend of my grandma, mother and me. Since we had everyone together we took just a few minutes to get some ‘generational’ images of everyone.  I’m a little behind the curve, with no little ones of my own we just have the three generations to show off. 🙂 More fun images of easter egg hunting, and EATING coming very soon!

Feature Image: Hunter, Cerro Gordo High School

I’m so excited to be back into the flow with the feature images! I love being able to feature one of the SJP Senior Models each day! These girls are all doing such a great job spreading the word about SJP and this gives them a chance to share and show off a couple of their images each week!

Hunter is quite the little social butterfly and has now finished TWO lead books collecting a total of 100 new leads! Awesome job girl!!! 🙂 She is well on her way to an iPad.

Seniors remember, this summer is the best time to get your portraits taken! Plus, book your Art session by the end of the week and save over $90! (Sessions can be completed by the end of May if booked and paid for by the end of this week!)

HURRY! Text: 573.690.7427 or Call: 217.330.7012 or Email: mail@sjanephotography.com to book NOW.

Alesia – Nokomis High School – Sarah Jane Photography High School SENIORS!

Check out Alesia’s first feature image!!

Alesia is our third SJP senior model and goes to Nokomis High School. And you can all laugh because I am three for three for session rainouts for each of my models! I guess “April Showers” is pretty accurate. But just like for Erynn and Hunter, we were able to get the studio portion of Alesia’s session done as scheduled!

In the next weeks, I will be finishing up Alesia and Hunter’s location sessions (we finished Erynn’s last week and boy I cannot WAIT to show you some of the awesome shots we got!). AND I will also have our fourth model’s session complete after this weekend! I am really excited about Alesia’s location, and can’t wait to show everyone. We will be heading out of Decatur for that one!

Check back soon!!! Plus, there are still model positions available for Mt. Zion, St. Teresa, MacArthur, Maroa-Forsyth and Eisenhower! Sessions need to be scheduled THIS WEEK so hurry!

Sarah Jane Photography

Promote Your Page Too

Featured Image: Erynn Taylorville Senior – Sarah Jane Photography

Today’s feature image is Erynn again. And today I thought I would use her to help show exactly what an SJP client can expect… Now you may have heard or seen my tag line on signs or business cards, but sometimes the true meaning gets overlooked. So what do I mean by “More Than Photography … ART” ???

Erynn is a beautiful young lady so I know she wont mind me sharing her ‘before’ image to demonstrate the difference between photography and an SJP piece of photographic art. This is one of those rare occasions where I will let you glimpse what an image looks like before being transformed into what I consider a finished piece.

So…. First, here is my finished piece:

And here is the originally captured image (with just some minor tonal corrections):

Now, of course I retouch and smooth skin tones just as any professional photographer will do. But I like to take all my images to the next level… to create art. The finished image is a combination of 3 total images (the original along with two textures) and about 6-8  tonal layers. The goal is to add a bit of feature enhancement (skin, eyes, lips) to make every subjects features stand out and to also create a depth in the environment. This image was photographed in my beautiful bay window with soft north light streaming in, however since it was an overcast day the bricks on the outside don’t really have much vibrance and look a little dull and the window frame (painted by the previous owners a lovely, NOT, shade of pale green) just looks a little too ordinary for my taste.

This unique art look is what I hope my clients seek when they choose to come to SJP for their portraits. I love photography and especially the ability to create unique pieces for each client. (This is also the primary reason I like to sell albums and wall art instead of a CD with printing rights – on a CD you get ‘proofs’ not ‘art’). I hope you enjoyed the little peak behind the scenes at SJP.

Come back soon!

Senior Session Discounts @ Sarah Jane Photography!

Hey Seniors! Don’t miss the awesome summer session discounts! Only a couple more weeks to take advantage of the largest savings: 75% OFF Senior Art Sessions booked in April Only! Call now to take advantage of the sale and book your session up to 30 days in advance. That means you can save $93.75 off your session NOW and schedule your session in May!

Discounts are reduced each month!

This session includes:

• 2 hours at up to 3 locations (studio +2)
• 5-7 outfits
• SJP blog feature
• 5 images featured on Facebook
• Plus you can include a prop (could be a friend, pet, sports equipment, car, etc)

http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FSarah-Jane-Photography%2F181887343520&width=400&colorscheme=dark&show_faces=false&stream=true&header=true&height=427

Erynn – Sarah Jane Photography Senior Model #2!

Erynn also had her senior model session this weekend and though her location session was rained out as well we were able to have some fun in the studio! Both Hunter and Erynn had some very cute prom dresses and we had a blast showing off their style!

Remember, more feature images of our models will be posted throughout the summer so check back soon!

SJP Welcomes Baby Maliyah into the world!

About a month ago I had the privledge to photograph mom-to-be, Jenifer. We included Brian and Darrin in Jenifer’s maternity session to make it a family event as they all awaited the arrival of the newest addition to the family, baby girl Maliyah.

So, of course, after the arrival of beautiful little Maliyah the family came back in for a newborn session. Such a beautiful sweet little girl and an awesome family to work with. I can’t wait to see her grow over the years!

Here are some of my favorite from both the maternity session and Maliyah’s newborn session!

New and expectant moms, remember maternity portraits are best in your 8th-9th month and newborn portraits are best for newborns under 3 weeks!

Calleen – 2011 Senior – Warrensburg High School

Calleen broke the ice for Sarah Jane Photography and seniors in Decatur becoming our first since high school senior since our relocation! She was a blast to work with and we created some beautiful images right here in downtown Decatur.

It was a fun session and I can’t wait to work with more area seniors soon! Don’t forget we just starting taking applications for 2012 senior models! Go to http://www.sjanephotography.com NOW to apply!

Kristy + Nic Engaged

Kristy & Nic are AWESOME! We had a great time at their session a couple weeks ago and though the leaves hadn’t quite changed yet we were able to get some great images near the wild flower patch at Fairview Park. This couple share’s my love of unique images and at their premier it was so great to see them fall in love with image after image.

I can’t wait to share their wedding with them next May. I’m also excited that each of their guests will get a little peak at their engagement session as they sign the couple’s custom guestbook!

Here are some of our favorite images from the session, starting with the one that will soon be featured on the wall of the couple’s home.

Daily Studio News – Sarah Jane Photography Decatur

So it seems that “crazy” is becoming normal around here! I am getting very good (hopefully) at juggling about 50 different things at once, that’s for sure. I am, however, forgetting what I have and have not already blogged about so if I begin to repeat myself hang with me…

A few exciting things happened over the weekend… well LOTS is more like it. In the past 4 days I had boudoir sessions, multiple engagement sessions with Kelsey and Tony and Danielle and Jake, an awesome senior session with Jake and his sister, plus a few big meetings and even got to be in town for my “nephew’s”  2 year birthday party!!!

I also met Julie Carter a fellow Decatur area photographer! She is such a sweet person and I know we will get along great! We are both so excited to get to know eachother and will be getting together again soon.

Look for a senior session post soon from Rachel!

First Assignment with Thrive Entertainment Guide! – Crusin’ Eldo

 

Tonight I took about an hour to visit downtown Decatur and checkout the Crusin’ Eldo car show. It was a beautiful night for the show which brought out everything from a rusted out 19-something cruiser to a brand new 2010 Corvette and even an Oliver Tractor!

Great fair food and live bands all down Eldorado, plus “party lots” with a variety of beverages, it was a good time for all ages. Every lot down Eldorado was sprinkled with spectators watching all the classics cruse the street.

 

Daily Studio News – Sarah Jane Photography Decatur, IL – Thrive Magazine!

Yesterday, I met a couple AMAZING people at Thrive Magazine! I am so excited to start working with them and contributing to the magazine. Jay, managing editor, and Kat, publisher, both have HUGE dreams/plans just like me and I know we can find ways in the future to help each other reach those goals!

It is always amazing to have the opportunity to partner with other creative minds. I went in to pick up a few copies of the magazine, a press pass and to introduce myself and we all ended up talking for over an hour! It was GREAT. The magazine is free so check them out online and pick up a copy to find out what is up in Decatur. I will be covering the bridesmaid bar crawl tonight along with Crusin’ Eldo.

 

Daily Studio News – Sarah Jane Photography Decatur, IL

OH MY! I have two words for the past two days: “Extreme Portraiture” … I really felt like I was on a “reality” TV show or being Punked! Here is why…

Yesterday evening I hosted a second Business+Beauty Photography night here for another Mary Kay unit in the area. We did a quick business session for each of the consultants who came to create some headshots for them to use on their websites and in other advertising and branding for their businesses. We had about 11 sessions scheduled between 6:00-8:00. At about 6:05, once all the ladies had arrived and begun their meeting upstairs while I took the first client down stairs to the studio for their session, THE POWER WENT OUT! Yes, no joke!

The whole west end lost power!!! It, of course, did not cross my mind to send all these lovely women home (their time is much to valuable to have wasted that evening for them) so we lit candles and candles and candles. The ladies up stairs had it easy with my large bay window allowing in enough of the evening light to make their meeting possible until about 7:30, but downstairs in the studio our only window is about 2 feet square – NOT ENOUGH!

Luckily, all of my lighting systems are battery powered since you don’t want to be searching for an AC plug on a wedding day, but there was no way my camera was going to focus on them in the next to no light. So each woman had to hold a candle just out of view of the camera for her headshot!!!

I could honestly say that was one of the most interesting night of photography I have ever had… until today when the same thing happened during a boudoir session! And again in the studio we had to problem solve to create the studio images for Kalle… so in each image she was spotlighted with a flashlight so that the camera could focus. Now we each have an interesting story to tell!

I really wish I would have taken a photo of our candle setup! It would be worth a laugh… So don’t take your electricity for granted today 🙂

Darci + Jeremy + Landen + Jerzi Family Portraits!

Labor day weekend we had a great family portrait session at Fairview park with Darci, Jeremy, Landen and Jerzi.

I met Darci when she became a Mary Kay consultant as part of my unit in Decatur. She joined the week after I did so we went through beginning our businesses together! The family had no good images of them together, especially none with Jeremy so of course we had to fix that. We had a great time at this laid back session and I am excited to be designing an album for the family so that they can remember this stage of their lives forever.

Daily Studio News – Sarah Jane Photography Decatur

This week with Ryan in Peoria for training, I have a packed schedule and am set to work work work all week long. I am excited to get started with some of my new Decatur wedding couples with a couple engagement sessions this week as well as another Mary Kay headshot event for another local unit.

Plus, I am excited to be working on some recent boudoir sessions with two premiers this week! With the ladies “okay” you will be seeing some of our favorites from those sessions after their premier!

Ryan’s mom is coming for a visit later this week and we are planning to go check out some of the local antique stores… I am scouting out some new props for the studio and I need to put together a few sets for the Halloween Portrait events and our event at the Lincoln Square Theatre’s Fall Gala.

Daily Studio News – SJ Photography Decatur 1Oct2010

So this week the “daily” studio updates have definitely NOT been so daily! I have an excuse (of course) for yesterday – IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY!!!

Do you ever feel like your life is in Fast Forward? That has been my week (and seems to be a trend with each week)… maybe some of us are perpetual “runners” (metaphorically of course – if you have seen me you can attest to the fact that I am NOT a runner!). To me this week was only about two days long, I think I fast forwarded through the other three!

Well, anyways… we are up for a HUGE week next week. I have six full sessions and my second shoot night with Mary Kay (for another unit in town) to do business headshots. That night will likely be filled with about 7-10 small sessions so I will have my work cut out for me next week with sessions alone, but we also have orders to fill and some upcoming events to organize.

Again, I am searching for an assistant so if you are interested please contact me soon!

Have a great weekend!!!

Commercial Photos for Little Barks Pet Products – Decatur, IL

One of my projects last week was some commercial work for Little Barks Pet Products based out of Decatur. Kim, owner of Little Barks, makes beautiful leashes, collars and other pet accessories as well as all natural doggie treats.

Here are some of my favorite images of her awesome products.

Kim was nice enough to give me the doggie treats we used in the photos for my little yorkies, Bear & Lily. Lily is a big fan of the peanut butter treats and Bear loves the frosted cookies!